Utilization Review Specialist

Socket.dev; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Bradford Health Services seeks an experienced Utilization Review Specialist to ensure medical necessity and regulatory compliance in patient care. You will review records, treatment plans, and documentation, coordinating with providers and payers to optimize outcomes.

The role emphasizes accurate decision-making, data integrity, and staying current with payer policies and regulations across the United States.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a healthcare or related field.
• At least 2 years in utilization review, case management, or clinical roles.
• Strong knowledge of medical terminology, clinical procedures, and regulations.
• Familiarity with insurance authorization processes and reimbursement models.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze medical records, treatment plans, and clinical documentation to assess necessity.
• Coordinate with providers, insurance reps, and case managers for information and clarification.
• Make decisions on authorization, continuation, modification, or denial of services based on guidelines.
• Maintain detailed records of utilization review activities in compliance with policies and laws.
• Stay current with evolving healthcare regulations and payer policies to ensure compliant review.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in healthcare or related field

Tools

EHR systems

Utilization management software

Job description

About Company:

We’re officially a Great Place To Work®! We’ve always believed that supporting our team is just as important as supporting our patients. Now, we’re proud to share that we’ve earned Great Place To Work® Certification - based entirely on feedback from our own employees.

Read more here: https://ow.ly/YQ1C50WuRH1

This certification reflects the culture we’ve worked hard to build - one rooted in trust, inclusion, and purpose-driven leadership.

At Bradford Health Services, we are committed to providing exceptional care to our patients while fostering a supportive and rewarding workplace for our employees. We believe that taking care of our team allows them to take better care of others, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their well-being.

Our benefits include:

• Medical Coverage – Three new BCBSAL medical plans with better rates, improved co-pays, and enhanced prescription benefits.
• Expanded Coverage – Options for domestic partners and a wider network of in-network providers.
• Mental Health Support – Improved access to services and a new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) featuring digital wellness tools like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) modules and wellness coaching.
• Voluntary Coverages – Pet insurance, home and auto insurance, family legal services, and more.
• Student Loan Repayment – Available for nurses and therapists.
• Retirement Benefits – 401(k) plan through Voya to help employees plan for the future.
• Generous PTO – A robust paid time off policy to support work-life balance.
• Voluntary Benefits for Part-Time Employees – Dental, vision, life, accident insurance, and telehealth options for those working 20 hours or more per week.

At Bradford Health Services, we don’t just invest in our patients—we invest in our people.

About the Role:

The Utilization Review Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring that healthcare services provided to patients are medically necessary, efficient, and compliant with regulatory standards. This position involves thorough evaluation of patient records, treatment plans, and clinical data to determine the appropriateness of care and resource utilization. The specialist collaborates closely with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and case managers to facilitate timely approvals and optimize patient outcomes. By applying clinical knowledge and regulatory guidelines, the role helps control healthcare costs while maintaining high-quality patient care. Ultimately, the Utilization Review Specialist contributes to the integrity and sustainability of healthcare delivery systems across the United States.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a healthcare or related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in utilization review, case management, or clinical healthcare roles.
• Strong knowledge of medical terminology, clinical procedures, and healthcare regulations.
• Familiarity with insurance authorization processes and healthcare reimbursement models.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems and utilization management software.
• Certification in Utilization Review (e.g., Certified Professional in Utilization Review or Certified Case Manager).
• Prior experience working with managed care organizations or insurance companies.
• Advanced knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, and other payer-specific guidelines.

Responsibilities:

• Review and analyze medical records, treatment plans, and clinical documentation to assess the necessity and appropriateness of healthcare services.
• Coordinate with healthcare providers, insurance representatives, and case managers to obtain additional information and clarify treatment details.
• Make informed decisions regarding authorization, continuation, modification, or denial of services based on clinical guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of utilization review activities, decisions, and communications in compliance with organizational policies and legal standards.
• Stay current with evolving healthcare regulations, payer policies, and clinical best practices to ensure consistent and compliant review processes.

Skills:

The Utilization Review Specialist applies clinical expertise and analytical skills daily to evaluate patient care plans against established medical criteria and payer policies. Effective communication skills are essential for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including physicians, nurses, and insurance representatives, to gather necessary information and explain review decisions. Organizational skills enable the specialist to manage multiple cases simultaneously while maintaining detailed documentation and meeting deadlines. Proficiency with healthcare IT systems supports efficient data retrieval and documentation of utilization review activities. Continuous learning and adaptability are important to stay updated on regulatory changes and evolving clinical standards, ensuring compliance and optimal patient care.